Game 86: Yankees vs. Mariners (Cliff Lee Free Edition)

Cliff Lee went from facing the Yankees, to pitching for them and finally to boarding a plane bound for Texas all within the span of 12 hours. So, even though some Yankee fans and executives might be suffering from a tinge of disappointment over the team’s failure to land the ace lefty, not having to face him tonight isn’t a bad consolation prize.

In place of Lee, the Mariners will start David Pauley, a journeyman minor leaguer who has had a few cups of coffee in the majors. The Yankees have seen Pauley before when he was with the Red Sox, but the lineup has had very little experience against him.

Meanwhile, the Yankees counter with Phil Hughes, who perhaps gets a reprieve by the Yankees’ failure to land Lee. Amid speculation that Hughes might be returning to the bullpen, the Yankees All Star righty will look to rebound from a string of less than impressive starts. Over his last four outings, Hughes has pitched to a 7.03 ERA in 24 1/3 innings, including a season high seven runs surrendered last time out against the very same Mariners.

With Cliff Lee in the rear view mirror, the Yankees can now look ahead to extending their winning streak to a season high seven games. You couldn’t blame the Mariners if they are a bit of a deflated team, so if the Yankees can jump out early, they might be able to coast to another road victory. Now, if only they can figure out a way to dodge King Felix tomorrow?